After a hefty increase in funding in the budget, NHS workers are now beginning to feel the benefit personally.The government’s pay offer for 300,000 ambulance, ancillary, clerical, and scientific, professional and technical staff, accepted by UNISON, means increases of 6.5% for cleaners, 5.2% for most ancillary staff and up to 7.6% for some of the lowest paid technicians.

Ambulance workers receive 3.6% on basic pay, and London weighting is increased by the same amount. They will receive a 32% increase in any paramedic allowance.

The drive by Government has been to ensure minimum increases for all staff of 3.6% – in line with those for nurses and hospital doctors for this year – and extra targeted action focussed on the lower paid. The Government points out these are above inflation pay increases for the fourth year running.

UNISON says the deal is a step in the right direction, especially for the lowest paid, but is also looking to continue bargaining for shorter hours and a better minimum rate of pay during modernisation talks through the summer.
Links: www.pm.gov.uk and www.unison.org.uk

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